Attendees at the Green Tailgate event will get a special preview of the latest issue of the “Gridiron Green” environmental comic book.
NAMEPA and OMF Host Green Tailgate Event
Collaborative Event Kicks Off NAMEPA Initiative to Promote Sustainability in Schools Across North America
January 27, 2020 – Weston, CT – – The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) has announced a partnership with the Ovie Mughelli Foundation (OMF) to organize and host a youth tailgate event in conjunction with the approaching Super Bowl LIV in Miami, FL. The tailgate event will be held at Boyd Anderson High School in Lauderdale Lakes, FL, on Friday, January 31st, and is designed to educate students and the community on the responsible management of plastics and other common items, as well as offer alternatives to current practices at school, at home and within the community.
The Green Tailgate event will feature outdoor educational games and activities designed to engage participants, generate awareness and encourage environmental stewardship through responsible management of plastics and other household items. Sustainable, locally sourced food and beverages will be offered, as well as environmentally friendly products such as 100% recycled post-consumer paper napkins and reusable tote bags made from recycled plastic water bottles.
Participants will also get a sneak preview of the new “Gridiron Green” comic book, a graphic novel that former NFL star Ovie Mughelli launched last year through a collaboration with UNICEF and Comic Uniting Nation. The comic book focuses on a superhero approach to environmental awareness and activism.
The event supports NAMEPA’s educational and social media campaign “Change One Habit, Change the World” which utilizes educational programs, public service announcements, social media and other platforms to spread the message that changing one simple habit (for instance, properly disposing of cigarette butts) can change the world.
“Our partnership with the Ovie Mughelli Foundation presents us with a unique opportunity to align our shared goals to educate students, particularly underserved youth, on how THEY can make a difference”, stated Carleen Lyden Walker, Co-Founder/Executive Director of NAMEPA. “We need to empower young people to be leaders in change by embracing our “Change One Habit” tools to improve our global future. We are kicking off this initiative alongside the Super Bowl, which is the hallmark of kicking, and expect to expand throughout North America.”
Masika Mughelli, Executive Director of the Ovie P Mughelli Foundation, added: “Global issues require a global response, and our partnership with NAMEPA is the first step in harmonizing foundations for greater impact. Together we are excited to impress upon every person, household and community to have a seat at our table by engaging our most precious asset, our youth. Our goal is to continue to educate and engage our next generation of environmental leaders and encourage eco-stewards to carry on this knowledge and action steps to their homes, their peers, and their communities!”
NAMEPA has secured several sponsors for the event including Port Everglades, SMIT Salvage, Cargill, The American Club and Total Marine Solutions Florida. In addition, about twenty members of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Sector Miami will be volunteering for the event.
“By teaching our children about sustainability, they can play an integral role in transforming our schools, communities, and planet into a more sustainable and healthier environment,” said Glenn Wiltshire, Port Everglades Acting Chief Executive & Port Director. “Ultimately, we all have a role in maintaining our environment.” Port Everglades is an active member of NAMEPA.
